Every man is under the natural duty of contributing to the necessities of the society; and this is all the laws should enforce on him.

With earnest prayers to all my friends to cherish mutual good will, to promote harmony and conciliation, and above all things to let the love of our country soar above all minor passions, I tender you the assurance of my affectionate esteem and respect.

Leave all the afternoon for exercise and recreation, which are as necessary as reading. I will rather say more necessary because health is worth more than learning.

Though [the people] may acquiesce, they cannot approve what they do not understand.

It is a misnomer to call a government republican in which a branch of the supreme power is independent of the nation.

The opinions of men are not the object of civil government, nor under its jurisdiction.

The private buildings [of Virginia] are very rarely constructed of stone or brick; much the greatest proportion being of scantlingand boards, plastered with lime. It is impossible to devise things more ugly, uncomfortable, and happily more perishable.